Is a double halo “too much” for an engagement ring?

[AllAboardTheBlingTrain]

Since you are just getting opinions, here is my two cents.

If it is a 3ct+ center stone, I would say skip the double halo. Single ok, but double looks too much IMO.

For reference, I'm the bling type what loves intricate designs and bling bling looks. Happy to be more adventurous/experimental with earrings and pendants etc. but I feel that for an e-ring, a more timeless look where the star is obviously the center stone is better, especially if the center stone is already very large.

Perhaps even consider a halo and a hidden halo if you still want a double halo, if this is possible. That way the face up won't have too many distractions and you have a nice halo to enjoy on the profile view too.

Oh I like the idea of the hidden halo! I’ll look into that as well.

Yeah that’s what I’m tossing up as well - whether to go for a more ‘timeless’ look or something more ‘bling bling’.

 

[Diamond_Enthusiast]

Oh I like the idea of the hidden halo! I’ll look into that as well.

Yeah that’s what I’m tossing up as well - whether to go for a more ‘timeless’ look or something more ‘bling bling’.

Here is an 3.2ct oval with a hidden halo. There is no halo face up for this one though but I think it looks classy and absolutely gorgeous:

3+Oval no bow-tie G VVS1 ex/ex Distinctive Gems

***Marvelous ring under daylight*** https://www.instagram.com/reel/CULs4u6BL-9/?utm_medium=copy_link My over six month journey wasn’t so easy as I couldn’t find huge diamond in my country. (e.g. Tiffany has nearly 70 store but largest they have is 2ct, GRAFF has 3ct D IF but price is above...

www.pricescope.com

Also, as the wearer, you'll probably see the profile view of your ring most often and the hidden halo give you something to enjoy!

 

[AllAboardTheBlingTrain]

Here is an 3.2ct oval with a hidden halo. There is no halo face up for this one though but I think it looks classy and absolutely gorgeous:

3+Oval no bow-tie G VVS1 ex/ex Distinctive Gems

***Marvelous ring under daylight*** https://www.instagram.com/reel/CULs4u6BL-9/?utm_medium=copy_link My over six month journey wasn’t so easy as I couldn’t find huge diamond in my country. (e.g. Tiffany has nearly 70 store but largest they have is 2ct, GRAFF has 3ct D IF but price is above...

www.pricescope.com

Also, as the wearer, you'll probably see the profile view of your ring most often and the hidden halo give you something to enjoy!

That’s a lovely ring! I’ll explore both options in person if I can - which should help me figure which option I want to go with!

 

[Dandi]

I think it sounds fabulous, and I'd wear the heck out of it!! I love the look of an engagement ring really taking centre stage. It bothers me when I hear or read that a particular style of ring isn't suited as an e-ring because it looks 'cocktail-ish'/clustery, not like a typical e-ring, etc etc...I think anything goes, if it suits the wearer and they love it!

 

[AllAboardTheBlingTrain]

I think it sounds fabulous, and I'd wear the heck out of it!! I love the look of an engagement ring really taking centre stage. It bothers me when I hear or read that a particular style of ring isn't suited as an e-ring because it looks 'cocktail-ish'/clustery, not like a typical e-ring, etc etc...I think anything goes, if it suits the wearer and they love it!

Thank you so much for weighing in! Glad to hear you’d wear it or you don’t think it looks funny, haha

 

[CMN]

My opinion is that a double halo is too much. Whenever I see halos (whether single or double) I always think that the wearer is trying to increase the visual appearance because they have a small stone. At your 3.25ct you don’t need that - it is a great size!

There are of course always exceptions to the rule. @missy’s two rings come to mind. I particularly adore the opal with halo - that looks perfect.

 

[AllAboardTheBlingTrain]

My opinion is that a double halo is too much. Whenever I see halos (whether single or double) I always think that the wearer is trying to increase the visual appearance because they have a small stone. At your 3.25ct you don’t need that - it is a great size!

There are of course always exceptions to the rule. @missy’s two rings come to mind. I particularly adore the opal with halo - that looks perfect.

I am not as much of a fan of double halos on white diamonds, but on coloured diamonds I feel like they look really good! For me I want a halo not really for the size bump, but for the colour boost. I think I’ll have to see it in person. Thank you!

 

[lulu_ma]

I think once you see the family stone and try it on, you will know what to do with it!

Personally, I think a single halo with white melee would look amazing with a colored diamond center. It would be perfect for daily wear.

 

[WillyDiamond]

Your wife’s ring is beautiful! I think I would agree if both halos were white diamonds, surrounding a white diamond. I could also do a double halo of much smaller stones (eg 1mm) in order to get that look without too much added size. Thank you for the pic!!

AllAboard, the halo stones in the ring I posted are 1 pointer stones, I think this means they are .01 carats. The pictures is blown up a bit by the vendor who did the work for me (Brilliantly Engaged, Chris).
Good luck with your project and show us the final piece.

 

[AllAboardTheBlingTrain]

I think once you see the family stone and try it on, you will know what to do with it!

Personally, I think a single halo with white melee would look amazing with a colored diamond center. It would be perfect for daily wear.

Thank you so much @lulu_ma! I believe you weighed in on my previous thread as well. Still haven’t fully decided on the family stone, but I was getting ideas together because if we do go ahead with it, we’ll start the ring design this time when I’m there, so I do want to know exactly what I’m doing.

AllAboard, the halo stones in the ring I posted are 1 pointer stones, I think this means they are .01 carats. The pictures is blown up a bit by the vendor who did the work for me (Brilliantly Engaged, Chris).
Good luck with your project and show us the final piece.

thank you for letting me know the dimensions! I think a 0.01ct stone is ~1.25mm, so I may go for a stone a bit smaller at 0.005ct (half pointer). I’ll definitely update with what I decide - I usually don’t ever post pics, but I might post one and then ask the mods to delete it after everyone who helped me has seen it

 

[lulu_ma]

Thank you so much @lulu_ma! I believe you weighed in on my previous thread as well. Still haven’t fully decided on the family stone, but I was getting ideas together because if we do go ahead with it, we’ll start the ring design this time when I’m there, so I do want to know exactly what I’m doing.




thank you for letting me know the dimensions! I think a 0.01ct stone is ~1.25mm, so I may go for a stone a bit smaller at 0.005ct (half pointer). I’ll definitely update with what I decide - I usually don’t ever post pics, but I might post one and then ask the mods to delete it after everyone who helped me has seen it

If you ever post a pic of the family stone, please tag me. And I can't be the only one who is dying to see it

 

[AllAboardTheBlingTrain]

If you ever post a pic of the family stone, please tag me. And I can't be the only one who is dying to see it

Will do!! I have to see it myself first, haha. Can’t wait to see it either!

 

[mommylawyer]

Just saw @junebug17's halo rings on another thread, not double halos, but the center stones look big, and combined with wedding bands...

Your Top 10 Pieces 2021 Version

Off-shoot from the thread about whether you would prefer one stunning piece or 10 nice pieces. Pics would be great, however, it may not be advisable from a personal safety perspective, so please decide for yourselves. These would be what I would consider as my big guns, in no particular order...

www.pricescope.com

 

[AllAboardTheBlingTrain]

Just saw @junebug17's halo rings on another thread, not double halos, but the center stones look big, and combined with wedding bands...

Your Top 10 Pieces 2021 Version

Off-shoot from the thread about whether you would prefer one stunning piece or 10 nice pieces. Pics would be great, however, it may not be advisable from a personal safety perspective, so please decide for yourselves. These would be what I would consider as my big guns, in no particular order...

www.pricescope.com

Omg all her rings are AMAZING. Weirdly enough I'm loving the tapered solitaire the most!! Why am I so indecisive!

I guess I'll have to see the stone once its in my hands and then see what setting seems to call to me

 

[junebug17]

Omg all her rings are AMAZING. Weirdly enough I'm loving the tapered solitaire the most!! Why am I so indecisive!

I guess I'll have to see the stone once its in my hands and then see what setting seems to call to me

Thank you @AllAboardTheBlingTrain! My center stones are not as large as yours...the round in the halo is 1.96 cts, 8mm. I agree, I think once your see your diamond you'll get a better sense of the look you want.

 

[AllAboardTheBlingTrain]

Thank you @AllAboardTheBlingTrain! My center stones are not as large as yours...the round in the halo is 1.96 cts, 8mm. I agree, I think once your see your diamond you'll get a better sense of the look you want.

What's your ring size, if you don't mind my asking? I'm sure your slender fingers must be way smaller than mine - at least they look that way in the pic. But your rings all look so elegant. I'm hard pressed to find a favourite. The tapered solitaire is lovely, as is the halo round ring! The amount of coverage you get in the halo round is just perfect imo, if I go for a halo that's the amount of coverage i'd like (in a single or double halo as the case may be).

 

[junebug17]

What's your ring size, if you don't mind my asking? I'm sure your slender fingers must be way smaller than mine - at least they look that way in the pic. But your rings all look so elegant. I'm hard pressed to find a favourite. The tapered solitaire is lovely, as is the halo round ring! The amount of coverage you get in the halo round is just perfect imo, if I go for a halo that's the amount of coverage i'd like (in a single or double halo as the case may be).

Thanks for your nice words @AllAboardTheBlingTrain! My ring size is 4.25. As you can see, I like halos LOL. But solitaires are beautiful too, it's hard to choose between classic and blingy. A 3.25 ct diamond is going to give you plenty of coverage to begin with. A single halo might be enough to give you the extra sparkle and finger coverage.

eta - Of course, nothing wrong with going with a double halo if that's what you decide! There are no rules imo when it comes to jewelry and I think people should just get what they love.

 

[AllAboardTheBlingTrain]

Thanks for your nice words @AllAboardTheBlingTrain! My ring size is 4.25. As you can see, I like halos LOL. But solitaires are beautiful too, it's hard to choose between classic and blingy. A 3.25 ct diamond is going to give you plenty of coverage to begin with. A single halo might be enough to give you the extra sparkle and finger coverage.

eta - Of course, nothing wrong with going with a double halo if that's what you decide! There are no rules imo when it comes to jewelry and I think people should just get what they love.

I do think I have a lot of thinking to do! Thanks for sharing your thoughts with me

 

[LLJsmom]

I have learned to never say never. For me, the answer would be...depends...on...

1. size of center stone
2. size of finger
3. who is making the setting
4. cut of center stone
5. disposition of person wearing...if they go for and embrace a big bling look

If it were me, I could only under very specific circumstances.

1. I think a 3.25 carat center stone is a nice size, so it won't look overwhelmed by a double row of diamonds. A smaller center stone could be.
2. A 6.25 size finger has enough room so that a double halo wouldn't cover the whole width of the finger.
3. EVERYTHING depends on this. Who is the maker? I would trust Victor Canera, Steven Kirsch, Leon Mege, CVB to make this ring. Are other people capable? I'm sure, but have I seen enough of their work to trust them? No. This is ONLY me. I'm sure lots of other PSers would recommend people jewelers they trust. I would tell them I need the halo stones to be super super small if going for a double halo, so as not to overwhelm the center stone, not to look gaudy, as minimal metal visible as possible, because let's face it, a double halo inherently means a lot of metal. It's got to be sturdy (as sturdy as a double halo can get), light weight, the right height, angle, scale, everything. And I cannot micromanage some jeweler for this project. I have to go in trusting that they will know exactly what I mean and will be able to execute.
4. I agree that an old cut looks absolutely wonderful in a halo.
5. And the person wearing it has to embrace it, the size, the look, all of it. Even with my size (now) 5 fingers, I would be willing to wear a 3 carat old euro in a perfectly executed halo, maybe a double. Though, I would probably go for this one below, Victor's double row emilya with the second row viewable in profile. I have lusted after this look for years and have spent countless hours drooling over this ring, imagining it on my finger, and feeling such a sense of satisfaction that made me sleep well at night.

Victor Canera Single Cut Eternity Band for Double Row Emilya

Hi all! Just wanted to share a few pics of my new Victor Canera single cut eternity band that I'm wearing with my double-row Emilya. I really love how the band completes the look - I am truly loving my set! I had Victor create a spacer to wear between the rings, but I really do prefer the...

www.pricescope.com

And see @missy 's gorgeous 5 carat OEC in her fabulous halo. She loves it and rocks it. Oops, this pic has her gorgeous opal too. But it's a halo so that counts.

 

[tuckie]

What a delicious decision you’ll get to make.

First, of course all that matters is what YOU prefer.

My own preferences:
+ Generally I’d vote no on double-halo
+ Exceptions are for fancy shaped stones, if and only if the halo work is done by a true master (VC, CvB, Leon, SK, etc)

Small thing, but are you the same size on both hands? You mentioned you’d likely wear a band on the opposite hand. I would *guess* (ymmv, of course) that if you chose the double halo route, there may be a non-trivial amount of times that you choose to leave the e-ring at home. Will you feel naked / not-married without a band on your left hand? Do you care at all?

Again, all preferences. If I had an heirloom 3.5 ct in a warm color I’d probably bezel it colored metal and live happily ever after in old-cut dreamland

 

[AllAboardTheBlingTrain]

I have learned to never say never. For me, the answer would be...depends...on...

1. size of center stone
2. size of finger
3. who is making the setting
4. cut of center stone
5. disposition of person wearing...if they go for and embrace a big bling look

If it were me, I could only under very specific circumstances.

1. I think a 3.25 carat center stone is a nice size, so it won't look overwhelmed by a double row of diamonds. A smaller center stone could be.
2. A 6.25 size finger has enough room so that a double halo wouldn't cover the whole width of the finger.
3. EVERYTHING depends on this. Who is the maker? I would trust Victor Canera, Steven Kirsch, Leon Mege, CVB to make this ring. Are other people capable? I'm sure, but have I seen enough of their work to trust them? No. This is ONLY me. I'm sure lots of other PSers would recommend people jewelers they trust. I would tell them I need the halo stones to be super super small if going for a double halo, so as not to overwhelm the center stone, not to look gaudy, as minimal metal visible as possible, because let's face it, a double halo inherently means a lot of metal. It's got to be sturdy (as sturdy as a double halo can get), light weight, the right height, angle, scale, everything. And I cannot micromanage some jeweler for this project. I have to go in trusting that they will know exactly what I mean and will be able to execute.
4. I agree that an old cut looks absolutely wonderful in a halo.
5. And the person wearing it has to embrace it, the size, the look, all of it. Even with my size (now) 5 fingers, I would be willing to wear a 3 carat old euro in a perfectly executed halo, maybe a double. Though, I would probably go for this one below, Victor's double row emilya with the second row viewable in profile. I have lusted after this look for years and have spent countless hours drooling over this ring, imagining it on my finger, and feeling such a sense of satisfaction that made me sleep well at night.

Victor Canera Single Cut Eternity Band for Double Row Emilya

Hi all! Just wanted to share a few pics of my new Victor Canera single cut eternity band that I'm wearing with my double-row Emilya. I really love how the band completes the look - I am truly loving my set! I had Victor create a spacer to wear between the rings, but I really do prefer the...

www.pricescope.com

And see @missy 's gorgeous 5 carat OEC in her fabulous halo. She loves it and rocks it. Oops, this pic has her gorgeous opal too. But it's a halo so that counts.

Thank you so so much for your thoughtful response @LLJsmom!

The jeweler who will be making the ring is my family jeweler back in india, who is capable of extremely fine work. Perhaps not to the level of the people you mentioned (I’ve never seen anything of theirs up close) but really very finely imo. I trust his ability to execute the design I come up with.

My finger is around 5.5 or 5.75, but I still think I should be able to have the ring not go edge to edge depending on the angle and size of melee. I’ll defer to the jeweler on that one.

I love the double halo in profile, that’s a very pretty look! I have to decide whether I want any stones in profile or whether I just want plain metal there, with both halos up at the stone. I’ll have to see how it looks in person I suppose! missy’s ring is absolutely fabulous in its halo and it doesn’t look TOO big or trying too hard despite the size of the stone and halo, so I guess it’ll really depend on how it’s made!

definitely if I go for this ring I’m going to OWN it. I’m lucky that there are some real rocks with a capital R in my social circle so it won’t seem out of place at all, and I won’t wear it when I travel of course.

Thank you!!

What a delicious decision you’ll get to make.

First, of course all that matters is what YOU prefer.

My own preferences:
+ Generally I’d vote no on double-halo
+ Exceptions are for fancy shaped stones, if and only if the halo work is done by a true master (VC, CvB, Leon, SK, etc)

Small thing, but are you the same size on both hands? You mentioned you’d likely wear a band on the opposite hand. I would *guess* (ymmv, of course) that if you chose the double halo route, there may be a non-trivial amount of times that you choose to leave the e-ring at home. Will you feel naked / not-married without a band on your left hand? Do you care at all?

Again, all preferences. If I had an heirloom 3.5 ct in a warm color I’d probably bezel it colored metal and live happily ever after in old-cut dreamland

I actually was not a huge double halo fan to begin with either, I just had this idea and was super excited about it! My jeweler has the ability to execute, not concerned about that. Just want to get the design absolutely spot on (and I won’t have a huge amount of time to do that once I see the stone, so I want to go in with a few fully designed options and pick one when I see the stone - or none, if I don’t like the stone at all).

I actually am the same size on both hands! And while I wouldn’t usually mind leaving the house with no rings on, I could very easily switch the band and RHR to the other hand (I didn’t get into it on this thread, but if I do go for the family stone, he would like to get me a small EC solitaire as an RHR) and it’ll look fine. I might also go the spacer+WB on the same hand as the ring, but that will depend on the WB I pick - we had pitched on the Cartier pave love when I was going to get an EC solitaire but it’ll look funny with this old cut so might just do a plain WB instead.

 

[tuckie]

I love the double halo in profile, that’s a very pretty look! I have to decide whether I want any stones in profile or whether I just want plain metal there, with both halos up at the stone. I’ll have to see how it looks in person I suppose!

There are lots of examples and discussion here on PS on the appropriate “tilt” of the halo / double halo to ensure that “flying saucer” look is avoided and often stones are not needed on the “sides” given the tilt. A consideration!

 

[MMtwo]

Personally, that would be too grand in scale. I would oogle it properly on anyone else!

 

[AllAboardTheBlingTrain]

There are lots of examples and discussion here on PS on the appropriate “tilt” of the halo / double halo to ensure that “flying saucer” look is avoided and often stones are not needed on the “sides” given the tilt. A consideration!

Yes I absolutely will not do a double halo and a side halo as well, haha. That would be too much for me.

Ive been through many of the halo threads and I think I like the idea of the first halo being a bit closer to the girdle / hugging the centre stone but still a step down so it doesn’t look flat in profile, and the second step down from that. So you get a stepped view from the side, which is how the soleste looks, I believe. The entire ring to be set low/medium low, and the band to not be too thin and delicate but more robust so that the ring doesn’t become top heavy and spin. It’ll basically be a tank of a setting for the stone but I’ll still have to baby it because that much diamond pave can’t have too much metal. Still, I baby most of my jewelry anyway already so it’s not too different to my usual MO.

Personally, that would be too grand in scale. I would oogle it properly on anyone else!

I won’t get it if I won’t be comfortable with it since such a thing of beauty deserves to be worn! But still thinking things through. I’ll update on what I decide for sure!

 

[LLJsmom]

I have a soleste double halo from a long time ago, and it does look like a flying saucer set on a jungle gym to me. Maybe they look better now. I haven't checked. But yeah, I prefer the PS vendors' versions.

#JOTW - 2.44 Tiffany Aquamarine in double halo

So Canuk-gal and Diamondseeker2006, this is the ring that started the whole bling obsession. My DH gave this to me last year as a 15 year anniversary gift. Honestly, I know NOTHING about colored stones. I find them extremely intimidating, because they are all so different, and there is no...

www.pricescope.com

 

[luckygreen317]

I prefer very fine single micropave‘ halos in general and double halos are a personal preference. I set my 1.75 round brilliant in a halo to achieve more finger coverage, which it faced up closer to a 2.25 with a single halo.
I LOVE pave’ halos with colored stones because of the contrast really puts attention on the center stone.
If you are so lucky to have over a 3 carat stone that is a family heirloom, I personally would consider a different direction that highlights the stone.

 

[jaysonsmom]

You can buy this cheapy ring to see try it out! I just saw this

3.ct Round Cut Diamond Double Halo Engagement Wedding Ring 14K White Gold Over | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 3.ct Round Cut Diamond Double Halo Engagement Wedding Ring 14K White Gold Over at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

I actually think having a cushion double halo would make a double halo with round center look less flying saucer-like

 

[canuk-gal]

I have a soleste double halo from a long time ago, and it does look like a flying saucer set on a jungle gym to me. Maybe they look better now. I haven't checked. But yeah, I prefer the PS vendors' versions.

#JOTW - 2.44 Tiffany Aquamarine in double halo

So Canuk-gal and Diamondseeker2006, this is the ring that started the whole bling obsession. My DH gave this to me last year as a 15 year anniversary gift. Honestly, I know NOTHING about colored stones. I find them extremely intimidating, because they are all so different, and there is no...

www.pricescope.com

I remember your ring--or rather is is difficult to forget. I'll take this double saucer off your hands!!!

 

[emeraldhummingbird]

Double halos are not something I would pick for myself but I do really like them on other people. Your vision sounds lovely.

What does "too much" mean? Too fancy or expensive looking? Too eye-catching for thieves? Too big not to catch on things with everyday wear?

A practical ring is something to consider, but if a double halo is your true favourite you should go for it. Don't compromise your personal style to suit someone else's taste or you might regret it.

 

[AllAboardTheBlingTrain]

I have a soleste double halo from a long time ago, and it does look like a flying saucer set on a jungle gym to me. Maybe they look better now. I haven't checked. But yeah, I prefer the PS vendors' versions.

#JOTW - 2.44 Tiffany Aquamarine in double halo

So Canuk-gal and Diamondseeker2006, this is the ring that started the whole bling obsession. My DH gave this to me last year as a 15 year anniversary gift. Honestly, I know NOTHING about colored stones. I find them extremely intimidating, because they are all so different, and there is no...

www.pricescope.com

Oh I see what you mean about the flying saucer look a bit, but I also really like the ring from your attached thread - it’s beautiful. I do like the stepped look from the side, but I think the lower halo at least needs to be at an angle to not look so disc like. I think I’ll leave that technical question to the jeweler, I trust him haha.

I prefer very fine single micropave‘ halos in general and double halos are a personal preference. I set my 1.75 round brilliant in a halo to achieve more finger coverage, which it faced up closer to a 2.25 with a single halo.
I LOVE pave’ halos with colored stones because of the contrast really puts attention on the center stone.
If you are so lucky to have over a 3 carat stone that is a family heirloom, I personally would consider a different direction that highlights the stone.

I definitely don’t want to drown the stone, so I’ll be keeping that in mind for sure! I think a lot of it also will depend on how yellow it is in person. If it’s really yellow then I feel more inclined to put it in a double halo and treat it as a fancy colour stone. if it’s more cape coloured I might go with the solitaire or a single micropave halo. Thanks for weighing in!

You can buy this cheapy ring to see try it out! I just saw this

3.ct Round Cut Diamond Double Halo Engagement Wedding Ring 14K White Gold Over | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 3.ct Round Cut Diamond Double Halo Engagement Wedding Ring 14K White Gold Over at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

I actually think having a cushion double halo would make a double halo with round center look less flying saucer-like

Oh that eBay seller is actually located in india! What a find, thank you! Tbh looking at that picture it doesn’t look “too big” to my eye at all. It’s actually making me feel like it would be a good idea.

I’m not a very big fan of cushion halos unfortunately, but I’ll explore the option in person at my jeweler’s.

Double halos are not something I would pick for myself but I do really like them on other people. Your vision sounds lovely.

What does "too much" mean? Too fancy or expensive looking? Too eye-catching for thieves? Too big not to catch on things with everyday wear?

A practical ring is something to consider, but if a double halo is your true favourite you should go for it. Don't compromise your personal style to suit someone else's taste or you might regret it.

Honestly I don’t know what “too much” meant when I wrote it either. In reference to the ring that started it all, I think my friend (who made the comment) just meant that it seemed too blingy for daily wear, like a special occasion ring. That’s my concern I suppose, that the ring will end up looking like a cocktail ring instead of an engagement ring.

But then I ask myself that does it matter? If people on the street think it’s fake - that’s all the safer, honestly, isn’t it? It just has to match my personal style, and that’s the thing I’m trying to figure out, whether it does or not. Because I love bling, and I love halos, but I also love solitaires. Things to consider… thanks for weighing in though!